Cory Schneider feels like he has Canucks’ support

Cory Schneider feels like he has Vancouver Canucks’ support

By Ben Kuzma

VANCOUVER— Whether assessing a Tim Thomas snub of President Barack Obama or putting his plight with the Vancouver Canucks into the proper perspective, Cory Schneider has always found an articulate manner to rationalize decisions made on and off the ice.

When told by coach Alain Vigneault before the NHL all-star break to prepare for a start Tuesday against the Chicago Blackhawks — his first since Jan. 10 — the backup goaltender took it as a vote of confidence. Rather than reading anything into the notion that Roberto Luongo is being protected against teams he has struggled against, Schneider sees a different scenario unfolding.

“I just read into it that coach trusts both of us,” he said following Tuesday’s morning skate. “He has faith to play me in these games and the confidence that I can win them. To me, it helps a lot and to get used to playing against teams like this. It’s very important or what’s the point of having two guys that you want to get in the net?

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“If they didn’t believe or trust me, they would just play Lou the rest of the way and every game in the playoffs. We have all the faith in Lou, but if he looks like he’s running out of gas or needs a mental break, that’s the benefit of having two guys. Traditional logic says you go with one guy throughout the playoffs, but having an option is always a good thing. They may use me at some point in that capacity, so I have to be ready.”

The optics also suggest something else may be in play. The Canucks are either prepping Schneider for a more prominent post-season role or showcasing the restricted free agent who could command a handsome return in an off-season trade. And depending on what you want to focus upon, any argument seems to have some merit.

After all, amid the hoopla of the Stanley Cup finalists clashing once again, Schneider got the Jan. 7 start and the win in Boston. Three nights later in Tampa Bay in a back-to-back situation for the energy-zapped Canucks, he was on display again against a team in dire need of goaltending help and backstopped a shootout victory.

Luongo is the first to trumpet that his crease companion can do the job when called upon. He did it in helping the duo capture the Jennings Trophy last season and also appeared in five post-season games. With wins this season over contenders like San Jose and Boston, he’s getting a taste of the competition he could face in the post-season, if the Canucks are prepared to go the two-goalie route in the playoffs.

“That’s a judgment call,” said Luongo. “Playoffs are a bit of a different ball game because you’re facing a team every night and you kind of want to get a rhythm going. But at the end of the day, it’s about winning and whatever it takes to win. I don’t think there’s a set pattern. You want to go with the hot hand and I don’t think there’s a specific pattern or schedule. Especially in the playoffs, you play it as you go and it’s all about the team first and getting there again.”

Vigneault acknowledges that Schneider provides the luxury of ensuring Luongo is fresh for the stretch drive and the playoffs, but what will play out in April, May and possibly June will probably remain the great debate.

“Roberto has played in all the pressure situations a goaltender can play in,” said Vigneault. “He understands. For us, Cory is a real young guy who has a tremendous amount of potential and it’s important for him to play some games like this. That’s part of our reasoning.”

The other part will play out in the post-season. And that could have a lot to do with Schneider’s value to the franchise or on the trade market.

“I just think it’s not in your control and I don’t like worrying about things I can’t control,” summed up Schneider. “If I’m going to get traded, I can’t control that. It would be selfish to just think of me and not the team. Again, I could make it easy and not perform the way I want to and there wouldn’t be talk of anything. Hopefully it’s enough to make them think or help me play a few more games.”